Pet Parenting Articles

5 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Pet

Two of the best decisions I ever made were adopting my dogs Lincoln and Ellie. Both of them had already reached adulthood when they found themselves looking for a good home. Of course, I can’t resist playing with an adorable puppy, but my experience adopting older, homeless pets was such a rewarding experience, I’m hooked.

Here are my 5 reasons you should consider adopting an adult pet.

1. Adult pets are often already trained.

Most of the adult pets available for adoption have already been house broken, are out of the teething phase, and come with basic manners. This makes the transition into pet parenthood much less stressful.

2. You’ll be contributing to animal welfare.

An alarming 3 to 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. The majority of these pets are healthy and adoptable, but simply can’t find a home. Even among homeless pets, adult cats and dog have a harder time finding loving home over the bouncy puppies and kittens. Choosing to adopt an adult pet over visiting a breeder or adopting a puppy helps make a difference in our pet overpopulation crisis.

3. They come with all the fixings.

Almost all animal centers and rescues insist on ensuring the pets receive vaccinations and are spayed or neutered. In fact, many times the cost for adoption is less than the cost in basic veterinary care the animal has received waiting for you.

4. What you see is what you get.

No surprises here. No need to wonder what they’ll look like when they’re older or what their personality will be. Older pets make it easy to picture them in your life. They have already settled into their size, personality and energy level giving you great insight into whether they’d be a good fit for your family.

5. There’s no better feeling.

At least once a week, I think about what it must have been like for each of my pets before they came home with me. Lincoln had spent 7 months in a kennel at his rescue and Ellie was living in a box on the side of the road. I believe adopted pets know they’ve been adopted and are incredibly grateful in return. In my experience, changing my pets lives for the better dramatically changed my life too.

What about you? Have you adopted an adult or senior pet? What was your favorite reason for choosing adoption?

ABOUT LAURA Laura manages the complete digital media presence for the PetSafe Brand. Laura also donates her time to helping improve animal welfare. She has helped saved the lives of many pets through her work and more directly by adopting two dogs of her own, Ellie and Lincoln who often accompany her to work and to volunteer events in Knoxville.

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Roger J. said on

09/22/2012:

My wife and I go round and round on this subject she insists that it is better to get a puppy that way the dog get a better bonding with the family. I say that as long as you give the dog the love and affection it needs there will be a strong & lasting bond. It seems like there is no solution to our problem. We presently live in an apartment complex that does not allow pets but we are purchasing a house and need a dog for our grandson. How do I persuade her that I am correct. I know what will happen we will end up with two dogs one a puppy and a senior citizen like me. Well that’s life

Natalie Lester said on

09/24/2012:

Roger, we’re so glad you and your wife are preparing to enter the wonderful world of pet ownership. We are sure that your grandson won’t be the only one who loves your pet, you and your wife will enjoy the new addition just as much! It is important to consider the work that goes into raising a pet. A puppy can definitely be more to handle, but some can also be low maintenance. Adult dogs are usually easier, but they can have their own challenges. Be sure you consult with someone who has spent time around the dog who can really advise you what to expect. Good luck and keep us posted! Thanks for reading.

The Health Benefits of Pets to the Aging | PetSafe said on

05/23/2013:

[...] instead suggesting they adopt an older pet from a shelter or rescue. One organization even subsidizes adoption fees for elderly adopters. Many of the cats and dogs in [...]